[Effect of serotoninergic and antiserotoninergic preparations on convulsions induced by the endogenous convulsants kynurenine and quinolinic acid].

Serotoninergic drugs DL-5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-methoxytryptamine (mexamine) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) were found to reduce clonic convulsions induced by intracerebroventricular administration of DL-kynurenine sulfate in mice. Serotonin antagonist deseril weakened the antikynurenine effect of DL-5-hydroxytryptophan and mexamine. Quinolinic acid-induced convulsions could be attenuated only by DL-5-hydroxytryptophan. Deseril and metergoline and destruction of the cerebral serotoninergic neurons by 5,6-dihydroxytryptamine potentiated the convulsant effect of quinolinic acid but not kynurenine. The serotoninergic protective anticonvulsant mechanism is probably better developed against kynurenine rather than quinolinic acid.